pfactor

I cant imagine that software being $30 better than the free Wouxun software, but, I await your notes.

I agree with cateyetech, it's a great GMRS radio and I recommend it as well. (Thumbs up)

Yes we do and yes we do   
I bought a lightly used one a few weeks ago and we installed it in my son's pick-up truck,
with a Browning WSPBR10353 magnet mount and a BR-176-S 450-470mhz 5/8 wave 3Dbd gain antenna.
He runs on Medium power and makes a great connection with our base/repeater.
It has a good clear Rx & Tx (even with our 5yr old granddaughter with the mic) and has a easy to use menu.
They only use the radio for talking to our family group, so it is kept keys locked on one freq set.
Hits our station like a hammer!!! anywhere around town and  it's hilly around here   
 
It provides clear and uninterrupted (12v truck power) conversations with my son on his way to work and evening conversations with my granddaughter 
after school (pre-K) on her ride home.   
 
So yes I love it!!!
And it is a great GMRS radio, but like all of the rebranded to 95 conformity GMRS only units it is very basic compared to unrestricted units.
 
I would recommend this as a good mobile unit.
 
How about you?   

I agree with ilikeeggs.
I currently have a MXT400 as a base unit and it is truly a great little radio. Full MSRP @ $249 with an occasional discount on Amazon.
I'm thinking seriously about buying a second unit.  Yes a big thumbs up from this user.
pfactor    

That's great. While I do learn to program manually without software if needed, I feel chirp is much quicker and easier. And, I prefer the interface of chirp than some stock software.

I used this antenna for a couple years. exceptional omni performance. I think it is non-tunable, but comes pre-tuned for 467. It comes collapsed connected by coax that slides inside as you assemble it. It flexes quite a bit in 30 to 40 miles winds, I would expect damage in winds exceeding 60mph. I can not give a better recommendation for an omni as decided to switch to a yagi and a rotor.

Radio is up and running now and hitting three repeaters with crisp clarity. I had a programming glitch which I need to shout out to Gary, (ATL-60, WQYU407) for taking time away from his already busy schedule and keeping me focused.
Thank you sir!
pfactor   
   

Very interesting results, thanks for posting!

Be sure and let us know how these experiments come out, especially communicating in the hill terrain. 

Received a Midland MXT400 today and hooked up a power supply and attached my KB9VBR J-Pole. I checked the SWR using a (new) Signstek meter which tested very good at just slightly below 1.5 using 50ft of RGX8. 
 
I placed the radio in scan mode for several hours and received a few repeater conversations. At this point I plan to just monitor and get familiar with radio/functions and capabilities before I attempt transmitting. 
 
Tomorrow is another day...
 
Be safe out there!
 
pfactor

I'm still on the porch and looking forward to playing with all of you "Big Dogs" some day. Home base installation is nearly finished and almost ready for a maiden voyage. "Big Brown Truck" is expected tomorrow which will most likely get me overwhelmed with radio programing. Installed is a KB9VBR J-Pole and a Ed Fong J-Pole and separated by approx 10 feet. Both install in my attic which has zero construction foil attached (only Styrofoam insulation panels) and is approx. 30 ft above GL at an altitude of 1,120 ft. Very hilly and heavily wooded topography. Both installed per given instructions and It will be interesting to see which of the two will produce the best SWR and overall performance under same cabling and overall conditions.
 
Happy Easter to All!   
   
pfactor

I'm still on the porch and looking forward to playing with all of you "Big Dogs" some day. Home base installation is nearly finished and almost ready for a maiden voyage. "Big Brown Truck" is expected tomorrow which will most likely get me overwhelmed with radio programing. Installed is a KB9VBR J-Pole and a Ed Fong J-Pole and separated by approx 10 feet. Both install in my attic which has zero construction foil attached (only Styrofoam insulation panels) and is approx. 30 ft above GL at an altitude of 1,120 ft. Very hilly and heavily wooded topography. Both installed per given instructions and It will be interesting to see which of the two will produce the best SWR and overall performance under same cabling and overall conditions.
 
Happy Easter to All!   
   
pfactor

I have two of these radios and have done some preliminary testing. I am a ham operator, and a member of our local ARES/RACES and NET/CERT organizations.
 
Baofeng has taken their UV82 radio and repurposed it for GMRS use. UV82 accessories, including the high capacity battery and AA battery pack, all work with the GMRS-V1. The radios are pre-programmed for the GMRS/FRS and GMRS repeater frequencies, with the repeater offset already set.  The radio will also scan the ham VHF/UHF bands (there are approximately 100 channels available), has a FM radio, dual watch and the rest of the UV82 and UV82HP features. Advertised power is 1W/5W.  The radio is programmable through the keypad and CHIRP; I highly recommend the latter. 
 
Before testing the radios, I cloned one using CHIRP, and made some modifications, including adding the VHF/UHF emergency communications channels for my area. Note that the pre-programmed GMRS frequencies/offsets can not be changed and the radio cannot be programmed to transmit on any other channels.  The GRMS PL tones, channel names, power level, and scanner inclusion can be programmed. Programming is straightforward, as is cloning a CHIRP image from radio to radio.
 
In my test rig, I used an inline power and SWR meter and tested the units with both the stock antenna and a J Pole that that I with my VHF/UHF rig. 
 
VHF power: 2W/5.4W,  SWR (with J pole): 1.1 to 1.5 across the band
UHF power 1.75W/5W, SWR (with J pole)  1.1 to 1.7 across the band
 
Using the stock antenna, low power performance in an treed, hilly urban environment is, as expected, less than a mile. High power performance was between one and two miles. I need to do more testing, with a j pole and a whip antenna to get better numbers. I don't have a local repeater to test against. YMMV.
 
The audio is clear and undistorted. Features like dual-watch, two line display, transmit timer and scanning are handy to have, especially if you are used to using them on a ham HT.  If you have UV82 equipment, the ability to swap batteries, antennas and the like is terrific.  Scanning, like on all Baofengs, is usable but not fast and when scanning, the two line display does not stay synchronized.
 
What I really like about these radios, other than 5W, interoperability with the UV82 and FCC compliance, is they can be set up, the keypad locked so the unit can't be accidentally reprogrammed, and handed to someone without a lot of experience.  I am looking at them for NET/CERT team use and they will certainly become part of my family go bag.  And for less than sixty bucks, including charger, microphone and battery, they are a real deal.
 
 

radio1,
I am using "HamTestOnline" https://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com which is an interesting and effective way to prepare but only if you are a self motivated and have regimental study habits.
 
pfactor 

Lots of online study material, then you can test yourself at Hamexam.org

Hi and welcome,
I am new to GMRS and this forum as well.  Wondering what study guide/materials are you using for your amateur tech and general license test.
Best,
radio1

study for the general and if you pass the Tech, you can take the Gen for the same money. if you pass both, you are ahead of the game.

Welcome PFactor, May you find logic and reason..

Welcome to the forum!  This is a great place to be.

Greetings.  Post check

Thanks will check the site out.  I have gotten hold of some study guide from KB6NU Dan Romanchik and installed the android app called ARRL Ham Test Prep app from the Play Store, which works like a flash card test.

Thanks guys/gals for these welcoming comments.
 
My logic and reason for joining this forum is solely for an opportunity to enhance my naive but sincere interest in the science/physics applied to R/F communications.
I am newly retired with radio user operation/exposure but with little practical application experience.
I am Currently studying for my Technician amateur licenses as well.
 
Thanks again,
pfactor  

Thanks guys/gals for these welcoming comments.
 
My logic and reason for joining this forum is solely for an opportunity to enhance my naive but sincere interest in the science/physics applied to R/F communications.
I am newly retired with radio user operation/exposure but with little practical application experience.
I am Currently studying for my Technician amateur licenses as well.
 
Thanks again,
pfactor  

Thank you for the links and welcome. I do plan on using the magnetic mounted antenna for now. I'm a little iffy about drilling holes in my roof for a NMO mount (from what I've researched online reguarding a different antenna). After I upgrade the front bumper of the 4Runner to a metal bumper, I'll most likely move the antenna to it utilizing a NMO mount.

You can review protocols and what is required as listed in Part 95A of the Commission Rules located in the link below.   Welcome to the Forum and welcome to GMRS radio.
 
http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=72b61b708f0ce25ea78b21b0aed4e95b&node=47:5.0.1.1.5&rgn=div5
 
 
If I remember correctly, your radio package MAY HAVE included a magnetic mount low profile antenna. Is that the antenna that you will be using in your mobile installation?
 
There are mobile GAIN style magnetic mount antennas that may give you better performance (range)  by increasing both transmit Effective Radiated Power and receiver capabilities - this is just one of many:
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FRS-GMRS-4-5dB-MAGNET-MOUNT-ANTENNA-PL-259-KIT-/311666948584
 
 
Also, for members here - please review data for the 40 watt version of this radio , Model MXT400
 
https://midlandusa.com/product/mxt400-micromobile-2-way-radio-2/